It happens. Life s going well, it seems. You’re comfortable where you are. You’re enjoying what you’re doing. As far as you know, you could spend the rest of your life living where you live and doing the work you’re doing. Then, God unexpectedly changes your plans. Sometimes it happens excitedly, sometimes painfully – but […]
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Does strategy belong in the church? What came to mind when you read that? For many, strategy within the church context evokes a grim image.
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If you want to know whether balance is important, ask a tightrope walker or a technician who installs new tires on your vehicle. If you want to know whether balance is important, ask a nutritionist who encourages her patients to create balanced, healthy diets. But, if you want to know whether balance is important, you might not want to ask group ministry leaders.
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I listened to the burden of a pastor friend of mine who, through their broken heart, shared the story of a child who has strayed from faith. I have many other friends who tell the same story—they’ve devoted their lives to ministry, only to witness a child of their own take steps away from God.
We make a grave mistake when we neglect prayer as a significant missionary tool. When William Carey, the father of modern missions, sensed God’s call to the mission field, he told his friend, Andrew Fuller, “I will go down into the pit if you will hold the ropes.” The same request is on the lips of missionaries today. Will you hold the ropes in prayer?
Seminary professor Scott Hildreth underscores "the value that a preacher, a missionary, a church staff member or any Christian minister can have on the Kingdom of God. … This world is in desperate need of those who hear and courageously respond to God's calling to serve the church."
